The Milwaukee Brewers added to their catching depth on February 7 by signing Gary Sanchez to a one-year contract worth $7 million. According to Jon Heyman of the New York Post, the deal contains a mutual option.
Sanchez will provide needed power and seasoned leadership to the Brewers’ lineup.
Sanchez had a wild journey last season. He signed with the Giants in April and started the season in Triple-A before being released on May 2. He then signed with the Mets and played three games before being designated for assignment.
What Gary Sanchez Brings to the Table
While Sanchez is no longer the Yankees’ top prospect, he demonstrated last year that he is far from finished. He also received accolades for his defense from Blake Snell, the 2023 NL Cy Young Award winner.
“I’ve always heard about him offensively, but I love him,” Snell told the Athletic following his victory over the Cubs on June 5. “He blocked, like, a 97-mph fastball in the dirt. I threw a curveball into the grass, which he blocked. I mean, I don’t see the issue. Even when we called the game, we had a strategy in place and followed it. I even placed a lot of trust in him, like, what do you want? For example, you might tell me… I believe him on that. “He’s smart.”
During his time in San Diego, Sanchez improved on the field. According to MLB.com, he earned two Catcher Framing Runs and two Catcher Stealing Runs in 526 2/3 innings. He also tied his career-best pop time during what was perhaps his best season behind the plate.
Where Gary Sanchez Has Struggled
While Sanchez appears to have discovered the elixir of youth, he still has limitations. He had a low on-base percentage previous season and a high strikeout rate. MLB Trade Rumors reports that the Santo Domingo, Dominican Republic native has a career strikeout percentage of 26.8%.
The goal for San Diego will be to maximize Sanchez’s skill set. If he serves as a backup catcher and occasionally DH, his power could be useful. Avoiding injury will also be important as Sanchez attempts to reach 20 home runs for the first time since 2021.
How Gary Sanchez Fits Into the Brewers’ Lineup
Regardless matter how Sanchez is employed, his bat will bolster an already formidable lineup. The Brewers’ offense features outfielder Christian Yelich, first baseman Rhys Hoskins, and top prospect Jackson Chourio.
Although that group is riddled with questions, they have the capacity to cause significant harm. Yelich and Hoskins have each had numerous seasons with 20 or more home runs. Unlike in New York, Sanchez will not have to be the focal focus of the offense, but rather a veteran piece who uses his power to wreak disruption.
